Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Table of Contents

The perfect combination of robust veggies, succulent chicken, and soft, pillowy dumplings in a rich, fragrant broth makes chicken and dumplings the ideal comfort dish. Warm and comforting, this traditional recipe is ideal for cold evenings or any time you need a hearty supper. A pleasant and delectable experience is always provided by chicken and dumplings, regardless of whether you cook it from scratch or employ shortcuts for a quicker version. This recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite since it uses basic ingredients and a handmade touch.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

4 cups chicken broth

2 cups carrots, sliced

2 cups celery, chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 cup frozen peas (optional)

1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

1/4 cup Olive Oil

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Stew:

Place chicken thighs in the Crock Pot. Add chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.

Shred the chicken using two forks. Add frozen peas (if using) and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well.

Crafting the Dumplings:

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.

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Gradually add milk and olive oil, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the simmering chicken stew.

Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.

Tips & Variations for Chicken and Dumplings

Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings

Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience – Shredded rotisserie chicken speeds up the cooking process without sacrificing flavor.

Simmer, Don’t Boil – Keep the broth at a gentle simmer to prevent the chicken from drying out and to cook the dumplings evenly.

Thicken the Broth – For a creamy version, stir in a bit of heavy cream or a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water).

Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough – Overworking the dough can make dumplings dense instead of light and fluffy.

Variations to Try

Creamy Chicken and Dumplings – Add ½ cup of heavy cream or a can of cream of chicken soup for a richer broth.

Veggie-Packed Version – Load up with carrots, peas, celery, and even mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Herbed Dumplings – Mix fresh or dried herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives into the dumpling dough for added taste.

Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for some heat.

Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free flour for the dumplings and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

Nutrition Facts:

The nutrition facts for chicken and dumplings vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. Here’s an approximate breakdown per 1 serving (about 1.5 cups):

Calories: 350-450 kcal, Protein: 25-30g, Carbohydrates: 35-45g, Fat: 12-18g, Saturated Fat: 4-6g, Fiber: 2-4g, Sodium: 600-900mg (varies based on broth and seasoning), Cholesterol: 60-90mg

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For a lighter version, use skinless chicken breast, low-sodium broth, and whole wheat or gluten-free dumplings.